re: What should FSU have done differently to get in?

Look, FSU was in until Alabama played and beat Georgia in the best game of the Championships. Ok, getting closer but if FSU could even look presentable, they are in.
FSU proceeds to play the worst game seen in a long time against a bad opponent. It was atrociously bad.
There is no way the committee could send that train wreck to the semis, win or lose.